Reference no: EM133378027

CASE STUDY:

Wendy Peterson

This case describes the evolution of the working relationship between Wendy Peterson, a new sales manager of a regional office, and Fred Wu, a sales executive she has hired. They work for AccountBack, an accounting software firm with ten regional offices in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. After years of solid growth, the company has missed some of its business development targets.

This case has three primary learning objectives, which should be clearly addressed in your response to the case questions.

Issues in evaluating and diagnosing problems in subordinate performance

Implications of how a manager deals with a subordinate in terms of objectives for the office and personal development

The influence of gender and cultural dynamics on leader - subordinate relationships

Questions

All responses to this case should clearly address the following questions, providing evidence from the case and application of theory and concepts from assigned readings and prior materials. Analyses should be written in narrative form and should not read as opinion (i.e., no "I think..." statements). Responses should consider the learning objectives and how they apply.

How has Wendy Peterson taken charge of the Plano branch office?

If you were Peterson, how would you respond to Wu's request for an assistant? What factors would you consider?

What specific actions could Peterson take to improve Wu's performance, as well as her working relationship with him?

What are the challenges and dilemmas in managing subordinates who have different cultural backgrounds and working styles from your own?